The Uttarakhand region is a breathtaking part of northern India that’s also packed with adventure. For those with a love of hiking and trekking, Uttarakhand is guaranteed to be a top location on your bucket list. The complex terrain may intrigue those looking for a challenge, but be careful before jumping in. The Uttarakhand region can be unforgiving for unprepared travelers. The sheer variety of terrain and climate means you need a light pack that is ready for anything.
However, as any experienced trekker knows, packing for every situation will quickly lead to becoming weighed down. This is why packing light and choosing the right gear is so important to a successful trek through the Uttarakhand region.
Join us today as we guide you through how to pack light for trekking in Uttarakhand.
Streamline your Travel Gear
First and foremost, even if you’re planning to do some travel photography or videography during your Uttarakhand adventures, it doesn’t mean you need to bring a whole photo studio along with you. In fact, you can travel a lot lighter by being strategic with your lens packing, bringing along a lightweight, travel-friendly tripod, and using mobile-based photo and video editing software rather than software that require higher RAM and GPU to operate.
Thankfully, there are plenty of digital design apps that you can utilize wirelessly to not only edit photos, but even combine images and video files, making it easier than ever to document and share your Uttarakhand adventures without having to lug a dozen kilograms’ worth of film equipment on your mountain hikes. Trust us, you’ll want to prioritise your water supply instead!
The same goes for your hiking gear too. Swap out heavier clothing items with lightweight merino wool that provides sweat-wicking and odor resistance whilst still allowing you to stay warm and keep a light profile. We recommend packing 1-2 t-shirts and 1-2 base layers for colder climates and sun protection. Depending on the length of your hiking expeditions, you’ll also want to make sure you leave plenty of space in your rucksack for non-perishable, high-protein snacks like nuts and granola bars.
Understanding Uttarakhand
The best way to pack light is to pack only what you need for the trekking you are doing. Once again, to know what to pack, it’s important to understand where you are going and what kind of trek you should prepare for. On top of mapping out how many days or nights you can expect to spend exploring the mountain region between towns, you’ll also want to do research to prepare for climatic conditions that you can expect during your treks. The more detailed you understand about the region, the easier your packing experience will be.
Weather Patterns
The altitude
Uttarakhand’s weather varies incredibly depending on the altitude, so it’s well worth doing research to determine the best times to visit each trek on your list. Generally speaking, the lower plains region is hotter across the year and has a mild winter. The higher Himalayan areas, on the other hand, are much colder and get large snowfall most of the year.
Depending on which altitude of Uttarakhand you are trekking through will determine what goes in your pack. For ultra-high trekking oxygen canisters may be required as well.
Summer
The early parts of the year, between March and June, generally offer the most comfortable weather. During this time, you can expect temperatures between 20-30˚C and 10-20 ˚C for the higher altitudes. For this kind of trek, moisture-wicking, quick-drying clothing will be the best. A hat and good sunscreen will be necessary to protect against the strong ultraviolet rays.
Monsoon Season
During the monsoon season (between July and September), Uttarakhand can be quite dangerous. Parts of the region get heavy rainfall, and deadly landslides are common. Due to the weather, trails can go unmaintained, and trekking is not recommended. If you are planning to go during this time, some serious wet weather gear is required.
Autumn
As the leaves turn, the weather gets easier. The autumn months bring cooler weather for the foothills and the first taste of snow for the mountains. Layering lightweight thermals with waterproof jackets is the best way to trek through these mixed conditions.
Unique Terrain
Depending on where you plan to trek makes an impact on what you pack. The Uttarakhand region has a range of diverse landscapes, each one presenting its own unique challenge.
Foothill and Plains
The lower foothill and plains region is mostly on gentle slopes with tranquil rivers and well-loved trails. For trekking in this area, lightweight trail shoes or running shoes are more than enough to take on the trek. A camel pack and water bottles are also great additions to stay hydrated in the heat.
Valleys and Forests
Dense with vegetation, streams, and rocky trails, the valleys and forests of Uttarakhand are a great mix of natural beauty and exciting terrain. For these areas, waterproof hiking boots will be needed to tackle the slippery paths. Look for boots with strong ankle support to get you over the rocky section of the trail. A light rain jacket and quick dry clothing will help you stay dry in moist conditions.
Mountains
In the higher altitude parts of Uttarakhand, the trails consist of steep climbs and very uneven terrain, not to mention the snow and extreme cold weather. To keep the pack light, look for a compact sub-zero sleeping bag as well as a compressible down jacket. To prevent slipping in the snow, get some crampons or shoe spikes.
Make Sure you’re Prepared for your Uttarakhand Adventures
Trekking through Uttarakhand is a great way to see what the region has to offer. From the plains to the mountains, Uttarakhand has something for trekkers of experience levels. Packing according to your trail is the key to keeping your pack light. Considering the weather at different altitudes and seasons will determine the kind of clothing you pack. The difficulty of the trail and the unique terrain you plan to take on will decide the kind of equipment you will pack.
With the ideas we have discussed here today, you can start to prepare your light pack for your next trek through Uttarakhand.
